10 Questions - PASB Legend, Frank Foidl
Happy February! It is hard to believe we’re already more than a month out from New Years Day, but rest-assured that all of us at PASB are hard at work already on our preparations for 2021. Key among those preparations is our Music Department, and at Polish American, we are fortunate enough to have a living legend within our ranks… our Musical Director Emeritus, Frank Foidl.
Frank was gracious enough to share a bit of his time with us to discuss his storied tenure with PASB, the changes to the parade over the years, and his thoughts on Mummery in-general, and we are thrilled to share Frank’s stories, views, and memories with you for the February edition of our ‘10 Questions’ feature!
Q: Frank, first and foremost, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. On the topic of time, you certainly have accrued quite a bit of it not only with Polish American, but with the String Bands, overall. How long have you been active in the tradition of Mummery and with what organizations?
A: Well, it’s been quite a ride. At the age of 12, my dad took me to Wurlitzer Music School for accordion lessons, with his ultimate motive being me joining him as a mummer. In 1948, I joined the Firefighter’s String Band, captained by Fire Captain George Duffy. Then in 1950, we decided to join my dad’s friend, Jim Durning, a city official, and marched up Broad Street with his band with 100 members, mostly banjos and guitars… lots of noise! Haha!
Well, I could only take so much of that, so in 1952, the sax player in my combo at the time talked me into joining him in Polish American String Band. My career here has been, I feel, the reason for my longevity. To create equal parts more fun and anxiety, I served as Music Director from 1972 to 1985, then again from 1988 to 1994. I was elected into the PASB Hall of Fame in 1982 and into the Mummer’s Association and the String Band Association Halls of Fame in 2003. Through that time, I helped achieve 9 of PASB’s 11 first prizes, and I fully expect number 10 to be coming soon.
So… I guess that totals 68 years with PASB, and 72 years total in String Bands which has been quite a ride. Actually, I’ve just been told that I’m receiving the String Band Association Lifetime Achievement Award at our upcoming banquet this month, which is a total surprise to me. It is an honor, and one which I wish to share with Ray Danielewicz, Sr., my Music Director Mentor who, sadly, we lost last year.
Q: That is absolutely incredible; congratulations on the well-deserved recognition! What was it that, initially, prompted you to join a String Band, and what motivated you to stay so involved through the years?
A: In my single number ages, I remember my dad taking me to the Gimbel’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Market Street every year when Polish American would march; I’d fantasize marching with them, hence the accordion lessons. I love playing with and for people and the band gave me that opportunity to do so.
Q: Our readers may not know this, but you currently not only carry the honor of the title Music Director Emeritus for Polish American String Band, but you are also active Assistant Music Director for the band currently. What was that journey like over the years to your present position, and would you ever consider another stint with the baton, yourself?
A: I was appointed Music Director Emeritus of Polish American String Band in 2017, and my favorite thing about that position is you can’t get voted OUT…a risk the Band must take. I have no desire to serve as Music Director again, but I still get great pleasure assisting the present Music Director. I’ve been trying to do this in the past, but I feel it has worked best in the past 2 years. This journey through the years has been very intensive, there have been many ups and downs. The ups were great, but when a member leaves, the downs often create a negative reaction among remaining members - every string band deals with this issue. Now, in my position, I have the unenviable job of pushing all of the members when it comes time to ‘take up the slack’ so that PASB can continue to build and remain competitive …But we’ve survived in the past and shall continue to do so in the future….
Q: On the subject of 'over-the-years,' what would you say the biggest changes are, both positive and negative, that you have seen over your storied Mum-career with the bands and with the parade in-general?
A: Oh Wow! Where to begin…I feel the caretakers of our fine hobby have, over the years, transformed what was a great parade into a glorified TV show. As an old guy, I don’t agree, but I must admit that the shorter parade route which resulted from these changes is desirable.. Unfortunately, though, the younger generation will not have the opportunity to perceive and feel the building tension, anxiety, and anticipation of marching up Broad Street toward the judging area… of seeing Billy Penn, atop City Hall, get larger and larger as that Judges Stand that you’ve worked for all year gets closer and closer…
To never to feel that emotion again is such a loss to this hobby!
To me, props need to be eliminated or, at least, be built more moderately to bring long-term financial stability to all of the string bands - more like a sport’s team spending cap or limit. Also, one of the most-heard complaints from the people watching the parade in the stands is the obstruction of the bands by the massive props. My history is making the large back pieces which used to be worn by every member in the band. Returning to that would be a return to tradition, a more enjoyable performance, and more financially responsible for the bands. Again, never to feel that emotion again of enduring the march up Broad Street with those backpieces on..! What a shame…
Q: I am sure that your first-place finishes hold a very special place in your heart, but looking through the years, what would you say were your favorite PASB performances in which you took part?
A: This is an easy one! I don’t have a favorite PASB first place finish in which I took part because all 9 were great experiences that can never be reiterated; however, I’ll give you a few memorable moments through the years.
1952 – Cameo: I was so surprised and fortunate to be included in this year’s show since I had just joined the band in May… and this was a GREAT band.
1954 - Mexican Hat Dance: PASB was the first band to dance as part of our routine on Broad Street. We were exhausted by the time we got to the Judges’ Stand, but emotions took over, and we put on an amazing show.
1955 – Can-Can: Again, we danced for 4 minutes, but we loved it.
1961 – Holiday In Scotland: Are you kidding me!? Temperature in the 30’s, and we wore Kilts, but no one complained!
1964 – Jungle Drums: To the old guys, this was Billy Devine’s Theme, and it was as crazy as he was!
1970 – Showtime Internationale: Everyone’s favorite because it took us all over the world, and featured a French Accordion Solo, ahem!
1981 – Toyland Comes Alive: This theme had all the music and characters that the kid’s loved, and an interesting event of mine that I’ll reveal later…..
1981 – Dr. Hi-Tech & His Robot Ramble: Ray Danielewicz only received 5th (tie) prize that year, but in my opinion, his performance was equaled to the Band’s 1 st prize performance, and he carried that recognition and the moniker of Dr. Hi Tech through to his passing last year. God Bless!
1990 – Are You From Dixie: I loved the music, and the flag gimmick at the end of the performance was amazing. We were not too popular among the other bands that year within the Association because, in the judging, we received an almost perfect Music score of 39.5 out of a possible 40 which I don’t think has ever happened! We felt that “First Prize Intuition” all the way up Broad Street, as our new Capt. Stan Magenta spoke those memorable words “And We Won!” ..and we did!! Thanks Stan!
Q: We have spoken quite a bit about the past of Mummery, but where do you believe it is headed in the future? What do you see as the road ahead? How do Mummers stay relevant and engaged with the people?
A: This question probably should be asked directly to the present generation, since those of today, not yesterday, created this monster that is our current ‘parade.’ Our governing body, the String Band Association still meets regularly to make changes to the parade, rules, route, judging, and everything else, but I haven’t attended meetings since I left official office in 1994. I can only assume that, today, the louder voices produce the rules, not necessarily with the approval of the “Small Bands”. String Band is very much a world of the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots,’ and it is pretty clear to see that the ‘haves’ have had their way with things in recent history.
Without some type of spending cap, I feel the future will only see more-and-more bands, sadly, no longer be able to compete and will fold, resulting in a weaker Association and a lesser Parade. How our hobby has been allowed to practically disappear is beyond me, and that so much of the damage is self-inflicted is worse. It’s not just the bands, either, the audience is getting smaller-and-smaller, too. We see that with a continued gradual decrease of people in attendance on New Year’s Day. Who wants to see a performance through large obstructing, expensive props in the judging area? The only way Mummers can stay relevant and engaged with the people is to return to the ways of the parades of the 50’s through the 80’s and be willing to accept suggestions from past generations. Sadly, I feel that will never happen, and those days are past…sorry, though, old guy talking!!
Q: Headed away from the Mummers for a second, I also understand that you have a few other active musical endeavors as well. Could you tell us a little bit about those?
A: Absolutely, but probably too many! Before I get into that, I served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years, and formed a small dance band aboard Ship in order to skip General Quarters. We played at USO’s during liberty in Europe and South America. After discharge, I received a business degree from Temple University, only to work at a computer for the next 50 years…duh!
I’ve been in about six or more different combos starting back as far as the 50’s, playing Rock, Irish, Polish, Jewish, any-and-everything. For the past 15 years I’ve been very active with the same 5 guys from other Bands playing summers in Ocean City, weddings, Church carnivals and retirement homes. I’ve been engaged in videography for many years, including St. Hubert’s Girls Basketball games, weddings, Barbershop competitions and shows, and in my younger days, Convention Hall Show of Shows and PASB performances.
About 25 years ago as I was videoing one of “Sounds of Liberty” Barbershop performances, the Director talked me into joining that Chorus singing tenor voice, and soon after, formed the Barbershop Quartet “In The Mood”. Today, I am Music Director of the Barbershop “Vintage Harmony Chorus” and conduct about 40 performances a year at Retirement and Rehab Homes, Community Centers, Church Gatherings and Veterans Hospitals & Homes. Oh, and lastly, I recently was appointed “Head Usher” at Calvary Memorial Church in NE Philly. It doesn’t pay great, but I meet good people and am getting close to the big Guy!
Q: What is your favorite memory of Mummery?
A: This is my favorite question since there are enough of them to fill a lifetime. I’ll narrow them down to a few.
1976 – PA Circus: On Broad Street at Methodist Hospital, we did a segment when Ed Tepper held up a large round loop and my job was to jump into it to the other side. Well, I jumped thru too fast and down I went on my right arm, and finished the parade with a broken elbow.
1981 – Toyland: We needed 2 little guys to portray “Raggedy Anne and Andy.” Well, in the hustle of getting dressed, we accidentally reversed our red wigs…judges didn’t notice and we still got first.
1982 – Sorcerers Ball: Drill Guy had me out front of the Band doing a 10 second voodoo dance; I don’t think it went over to well with the Captain. Haha!
1986 – Dr. Hi-Tech: That computer hat was so big and heavy, I had a violent headache for 2 days after, but the Band’s first prize was worth it!
Q: Frank, you have had a long and storied String Band career, what would your advice be for both active members to stay in the hobby and for prospective members who are thinking about getting involved in Mummery?
A: I must ask myself…why am I such an active member staying in this hobby for 72 years? It’s either the water or my disposition! From a kid handling a paper route, a successful marriage of 52 years, four year’s service in the Navy, operating a Notary Pubic service for 60 years, and with my involvement with music in between, I just enjoy being with people. I only talk when I have something to say, however, I listen to everything that others say. I always advise old and new members of our great band to have all the fun you are able to in your younger years. Enjoy the fellowship that our band creates, and be thankful that you can create beautiful music, pleasure, and enjoyment to the audiences from your performances. The only way this is accomplished is by staying healthy, rehearsal, practice, and more rehearsal.
Support is huge, too. This is not an easy requisite, but you must have the blessings from close family members. I recalled that when I got married, I told my bride, “…you marry me, you marry the String Band.” Luckily, she married the String Band, and then I went into the Navy… haha!
Seriously, old and new members must accept the time and expense involved in being part of our great hobby - it must be in the blood. One of my pet peeves is when a member becomes discontented with the direction of their band, and they leave for another band. This disappoints me so much because you’re not only losing a good musician, but a good friend as well. My suggestion is for those members who are not content to run for election and change that direction… be the change you want to see, but that’s the hard road… that takes courage, if you understand my point!
Q: Frank, thank you so much, not only for the time that you have given us today but for all that you have done, all of the blood, sweat, and tears that you have devoted to this tradition, this hobby, and this lifestyle. You are an innovator, an educator, a terrific musician, an even better man, and a shining example of all of the best parts and all that is right with Polish American, with String Bands, and with Mummery! Do you have anything that you would like to plug, any final thoughts, or words of wisdom for us?
A: Maybe wisdom is not the word to be used here but mayber there’s bit of common sense that might prevail... The String Band portion of Mummery should be explored by parents of pre-teens and teens. Let’s face it, these kids are all eventually exposed to negatives like drugs, alcohol, etc. in society. Our hobby helps to keep them busy and focused, learning a musical instrument with time-consuming practice. Music has been shown to keep the brain active, therefore enhancing school studies and even making for better, more coordinated athletes. Most of all, though, our hobby bonds us, creating fellowship and the sharing of similar interests. How can a parent not consider this as a requisite?
Even today we have a good number of parents bringing their children and even their children’s friends into the band to guarantee the future of Polish American String Band and of Mummery. I humbly salute them, as I do for my own father for inspiring me to get involved!
In conclusion, I’d like to dedicate this interview to my loved and missed friend from the first day I joined Polish American String Band in May, 1952, John Lawrysh!
God Bless!
In Harmony, Frank
We cannot thank Frank enough for all of his incredible insight from a life lived in Mummery! On behalf of all of Polish American String Band, we extend a massive CONGRATULATIONS on his upcoming Lifetime Achievement Award! It is an incredibly well-deserved honor!